Athlete Showcase: Niles’ Swailes
Published 8:59 am Friday, April 15, 2016
Natelie Swailes is a senior on the Niles tennis team.
What has been one of your greatest
accomplishments as an athlete?
NS: One of my greatest accomplishments as a tennis player and athlete was taking the No. 1 spot on my team this season.
What has been one of your biggest
disappointments as an athlete?
NS: One of my biggest disappointments was our team being two points from reaching state last season.
What has been a hardship in your life?
NS: When I was in eighth grade, I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks. It sometimes still happens. My anxiety is an ongoing battle.
Who is a “hero” in your life and why?
NS: My grandmother, Kathleen Baker because she beat breast cancer and is very selfless.
When are you the most nervous while you are competing?
NS: I am most nervous during my tennis matches, but the nerves are good.
Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.
NS: Once when we were at practice, I fell, but instead of staying down or crying, I got up and yelled “I’m hardcore.”
How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?
NS: I try to keep myself strong and positive mentally at all times and I also attend tennis academy.
What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?
NS: I would have loved to play women’s lacrosse, but tennis is where my passion is.
Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?
NS: Sports teach students how to multitask.
How would you give away $50,000?
NS: I would donate to tennis programs for kids with special needs or to develop such programs for cities, countries.
If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?
NS: Our tennis team because I would love to coach my home team.
If I did not play sports, I would…?
NS: I would watch sports religiously on television or in person.
What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?
NS: Tennis is a very mentally challenging sport, so staying focused, motivated and positive is a challenge.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
NS: I wouldn’t change anything. The sport is extremely fair and challenging and amazing as is.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
NS: Whenever someone compliments my tennis technique and skills I feel very accomplished because I have invested a ton of time and effort into improving.
What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?
NS: Playing at the No. 1 spot has been and still continues to be intimidating, but I am extremely happy to take the challenge.
What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?
NS: I was very impressed when I saw the recent interest in equal pay for women in professional sports such as tennis and soccer.
What is your favorite hobby? Why?
NS: Playing tennis, because it is addicting and it is a deep passion of mine. I could play for hours and never get bored.
Choose one word to describe yourself:
NS: Determined.